The Akuapem South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Frank Aidoo has condemned a group of rabble-rousers called NASGRAT that is creating confusion within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the municipality.
NASGRAT (NPP Akuapem South Grassroots), he stated, is not recognised in the Akuapem South NPP and therefore its lawless activities against the party will not be tolerated.
Mr. Aidoo has been accused of supporting members of the group to create disaffection against the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem South, Mr. O. B. Amoah, who increased both presidential and parliamentary votes for the governing NPP in the 2020 general election.
However, speaking in an exclusive interview with THE CUSTODIAN in his office in Aburi on Monday, the MCE strongly denied the allegation, insisting he is not behind the faceless group of betrayers.
“The group is not recognised in NPP and I’m not behind them. I will not do anything against Hon. O. B. Amoah, whom, I see as my senior brother”, he stated.
Mr. Aidoo also described the Akuapem South MP as one single individual who has over the years, supported and sustained the growth of the NPP in the municipality.
Security concerns
NASGRAT’s intended demonstration created security concerns and some perception that government and the party are divided in the Akuapem South Municipality.
But the MCE indicated the situation was under control and that going forward, such an unfortunate situation will not recur.
He called for a meeting between the MP and party executives to iron out all possible challenges ahead of the 2024 general election.
‘NASGRAT is a ghost group’
Meanwhile, the Akuapem South NPP has described NASGRAT as a ‘ghost group’.
The party also condemned what it said was a veiled plot by the group to soil the name of Mr. O. B. Amoah.
According to the Akuapem South constituency executives, the unknown group is only seeking to destabilise and cause disaffection for the governing party.
A statement by the NPP executives said the attempt to misinform and mislead constituents with the claims that Mr. O.B. Amoah is unpopular is driven by ignorance because he had the highest margin of votes in the history of the Constituency and has consistently led the NPP to victory.
“It is devious for the faceless group to claim that nothing has happened in the Constituency when the education, health, road, agriculture, employment, energy, and water sectors, among others, have seen remarkable improvement during the tenure of our able and successful MP. We will continue to provide numerous projects in the name of the Party and the MP every time.
“It is the height of hypocrisy that few people could pretend that they don’t know the political strength of our MP goes beyond the Constituency when he has achieved so much at the national level.
“It is only ungrateful people who will seek to destroy the image of the Hon. MP and the Party simply because their backers are scared and lack the confidence to compete,” the statement said.
The executives argued it is politically unwise and unpatriotic to seek to destroy a valuable asset like O.B. Amoah who is trusted, useful and reliable for the constituency, the Regional and National Party now and even if he ceases to be the MP for Akuapem South.
They pledged to strongly defend the good name of the MP and the NPP and will fiercely resist attempts by detractors to divide, weaken and destroy the party after such a strong and durable NPP has been built over the years.
The executives appealed to all members, especially the youth to be loyal and patriotic in defending the NPP constitution.
“We should patiently wait for the impending primaries and encourage all members who are willing and able to compete in a free and fair environment to do so, without intimidation.
“We should not allow a few faceless people to think they can decide for us and negatively change our lives. In unity is strength and we are stronger together,” the statement added.
